Gianni Infantino Faces Growing Opposition as First Nation Withdraws Support for FIFA Presidency

A European country has become the first to publicly withdraw its support for Gianni Infantino in his bid for re-election as FIFA president next year. The move comes after widespread criticism of FIFA's recently abandoned plan to invite external investors to take minority stakes in a new subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which was intended to manage commercial rights for future tournaments.

This proposal faced intense backlash from football associations worldwide, with UEFA and the FA both opposing it. All 55 UEFA member associations had agreed earlier in the week to boycott FIFA competitions, including both the men's and women's World Cups.

Infantino Responds to Criticism

"The FIFA Forward Enterprise project was meant to strengthen our Member Associations and football globally, especially in countries needing support," Infantino said."We only planned to proceed if the majority of Member Associations approved it, following consultation with all stakeholders. After listening carefully, it became clear the project caused divisions that go against our goal of unity and improvement. Therefore, this proposal will not proceed."

Infantino promised to reunite all interested parties soon to focus on growing football, particularly where support is most needed.

Growing Discontent Among Football Bodies

Despite cancelling the controversial plan, Infantino’s leadership since February 2016 is now under scrutiny. UEFA, Concacaf, and the FA have called for a review of FIFA’s leadership, and on August 3, Wales became the first nation to officially withdraw support for his re-election.

• FAW Statement: "We confirm withdrawal of support for Mr. Gianni Infantino’s 2027-2031 FIFA presidency candidacy. Failures in governance, leadership, communication, and judgment have eroded our confidence in him."
• FAW Action: They have formally notified FIFA about their stance.

The upcoming election is set for March 18 at the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, where each of the 211 member associations holds one vote.

Other Associations Call for Change

• Dutch FA (KNVB): Expressed a fundamental breach of trust, stating they no longer have confidence in Infantino’s leadership despite the withdrawal of the FFE proposal.
• Norway FA: President Lise Klaveness welcomed the withdrawal but emphasized the need to use this moment to promote openness and shift away from fear and politics within governance.
• German FA: President Bernd Neuendorf accused Infantino of acting unilaterally and irresponsibly, undermining football’s best interests.
• UEFA: Announced loss of confidence in the current FIFA leadership.